OPEN CODE
URBAN FURNITURE
A construction set adaptive to the needs
of different neighbourhoods.
Instrumental in arranging multifunctional
spaces and helpful in developing local
social networks through cooperative
actions.
This is a short instructions guide to co-design workshops.
Explore the possibilities which every set provides. Arrange a
co-design workshop with people from your neighbourhood.
Develop a configuration you enjoy and turn empty spaces into
places for sharing (ideas, actions, emotions, items and time).

PROPOSED SET OF DETAILS
The concrete blocks are optional. To make wooden blocks
steal-proof and stable, stones or bricks can be put inside the
wooden blocks.

Use waterproof paint for outdoors for sustainable result.
Propose the participants of co-design workshops to choose the colours
as the urban furniture contibutes to the representation of the
neighbourhood.

A place with seedbeds and greenhouse on the territory of the historical
park is managed by the Urban farm community. This area is remote from
the central entrance which results in a reduced number of accidental
passers-by. The community is active in promoting urban farming activities
and arranging events so there is a strong need for placemaking tools.
Developed configuration: it was important to reserve a possibility to
arrange various configurations of the furniture set for the events. Mostly
the furniture was supposed to be used as mobile tables for picnics,
celebrations and eco-markets. One wooden block was attached to the
concrete cube, and one drawer was installed.

A field between the skyscrapers and the wooden houses of 19 cen. was
developed as a public space by arranging community events. There was a
need for sustainable design solution to create the conditions for the locals
to come to this place, stay there and meet other people, without special
occasions. Also, a playground was missing in this neighbourhood.
Solution: a new place for gatherings would attract all kinds of users,
therefore a vandal-proof solution was preferable. Wooden blocks were
attached to the concrete cubes. The base of the blocks covered with
bitumen to preserve the furniture from humidity. One of the blocks was
turned into a chessboard and the drawer was reserved for checkers.
Later, a swing and sport facilities were installed next to the urban furniture
set.

A park in the neighbourhood is a place where young parents with small
children go for a walk. A tradition of collective celebrations is strong in the
local community and there was a need for a place for events and
gatherings. A co-design workshop took place just next to the entrance to
the park.
Developed configuration: the blocks were attached to concrete cubes,
making furniture more steal-proof and vandal-proof. The base of each
block was covered with bitumen. A drawer was installed. The furniture set
was extended by including a wooden cable reel as a table. The furniture
was decorated with herbs and flowers and the plants around newly
arranged place were planted.

A secret place in the heart of the quarter is a shortcut for the local
residents to get to their streets. However, people barely recognize each
other. A green hill surrounded by the buildings of different periods is
suitable for neighboursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; picnics, but it does not function as a place for the
social contacts, though a new playground is arranged there.
Configuration: two wooden blocks were attached to a concrete cube, one
block was left as a mobile module. The drawer was not installed, as the
residents were not sure about the items the passers-by are going to leave
there. After the workshop, the place was monitored. The detail without
the concrete cube remained safe, while concrete cubes provoked
anonymous users to detach them from the cubes.

CONCRETE CUBE
This heavy element helps to anchor the wooden parts and make urban
furniture steal-proof. Concrete cubes are made on a base of the plywood
form (40x40) which should be covered with oil from the inside. The cubes
are reinforced with metal bars inside. To make concrete cubes movable,
before pouring concrete in to the form, pipes for holes should be placed in
the form. Joints for attachment with the wooden parts should be moulded
in to the concrete. After 24 hours, the concrete gets solid and you can
release the block from the wooden form.
For more information contact: laimikis@laimikis.lt

4 TYPES OF BLOCKS
This Tetris based block is a basic for many combinations with variety of
functions for social events: sitting places, tables, modules for
playgrounds. 40x40 cm module blocks provide comfortable conditions for
human body.

400

400

400

400

800

800

800

400
400
800
400

PLYWOOD SCHEME
In order to have rigid and lightweight furniture, blocks are made of 15 mm
thick impregnated plywood. Cut the pieces as it is shown in the scheme.
For construction method look at the details on the right side of this page.

DRAWER
Sharing is an important social function of this urban furniture. The drawer
expands the functions of furniture, opening new possibilities for exchange
and storage. The drawer can be installed in any of the blocks. To have
this box safe, we recommend you to tighten the piece with rope or cable
to the inner partition of the block.

DETAILS
1.
2.
3.
4.

Connect the details from the inside using the screws.
Close the box and screw-up from outside.
Attach to the concrete cube before closing the block.
Don’t forget to round the corners!

15

10˚

15

15

15

10˚

DETAIL
1
DETAIL
1
DETAIL
3
DETAIL
3

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15

15

15

15

DETAIL
2
DETAIL
2
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3

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Open Code Urban Furniture is a result of co-design workshops in
Vilnius (Lithuania) which brought together participatory development
facilitators, designers, active residents and the local administration for
cooperative development of the public / community spaces in the
neighbourhoods.
Arranged in a number of neighbourhoods with different characteristics,
these furniture sets may serve as a research tool for measuring the level of
responsibility, safety and trust in the neighbourhoods. The inclusion of the
drawers and steal-proof concrete-cubes into a furniture set is an indicator
of the safety and openness of the public spaces. More info:
http://laimikis.lt
Concept: Jekaterina Lavrinec; Design and construction: Aurimas
Zdanevičius, Julius Narkūnas, Mindaugas Grigelionis in cooperation with
Rūta Jakštaitė, Michail Vereško, Vincentas Vienožinskis, Vaiva Braškutė,
Nerijus Misius, and Marius Glebus. Photo: Justina Gedvilaitė (Kamera).

Developed by:

In cooperation with:

The research undertaken to develop this idea was
supported by the European Cultural Foundation.